valedictorian

noun val·e·dic·to·ri·an \ ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən \

Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of valedictorian

: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises

See valedictorian defined for English-language learners

See valedictorian defined for kids

Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence

She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.

Recent Examples of valedictorian from the Web

The valedictorian provided The McDonough Voice with a copy of his speech.

— josh magness, kansascity, "High school forced valedictorian to strip Jesus references from graduation speech, he says | The Kansas City Star," 22 May 2018
His son, John, is co-valedictorian this year and is headed to Stanford University.

— lois k. solomon, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Former Boca Raton High principal demoted for letting students audit classes," 4 May 2018
Instead, Bryant-Jordan regional winner and African immigrant Thierry Havah became the school's valedictorian.

— josh bean, AL.com, "Former Huffman basketball star Myreon Jones headed to Big 10," 2 May 2018
The class valedictorian at Bowman, Stalling will attend Valparaiso and be a walk-on with the Crusaders.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "Smart choice: Bowman valedictorian Langston Stalling to join Valparaiso in men's basketball as walk-on," 27 Apr. 2018
March 20 is senior night against Magnolia West, where Tomball will honor its only seniors Griffin, also the valedictorian, and Darsy Lopez.

— alvaro montano, Houston Chronicle, "Girls soccer: With playoffs at hand, Tomball looks to carry momentum," 20 Mar. 2018
The valedictorian gives an incredibly moving speech that sends everyone into a pile of ugly tears.

— ariel nagi, Seventeen, "10 Times Your Favorite Movies Lied To You About Graduation," 4 June 2015
His daughter, Adria, is a high school valedictorian who will be headed to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California.

— azcentral, "Greg Burton named editor of The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com," 23 Apr. 2018
Studious and always juggling multiple outside interests, Dance finished high school in three years, graduating as the class valedictorian.

— liz bowie, baltimoresun.com, "Former Baltimore County schools Superintendent Dallas Dance asks for probation instead of jail time," 18 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valedictorian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.